Whenever
fiction and reality converge, it becomes a difficult task to separate the two.
Coming
across Holden’s Memoirs of a Geisha is one such incident. The Geisha aspect of
Japan has never been something I have been very familiar with – as it remains
outside the scope of my anime viewing experience and even in the novels written
by Japanese authors.
For now, let
me treat Holden’s work on fictional merit for that is all I can do.
In that
aspect, it is a marvellous victory. You get a wonderful sense of the setting
and the characters from the start, and evolve alongwith them as the story progresses.
The familiar tones of triumph overcoming tragedy and competition is there, but
expanded upon in an exquisitely detailed cultural backdrop of the Geisha
history.
We follow
Chiyo as she tries to overcome the loss of her family by becoming a renowned
Geisha but due to hurdles created both by her attempts to flee the life and by
rivals, she ends up in a pathetic state only to then become a pawn in a match
she and others have no control over.
This spirals
as Chiyo becomes Sayuri and the story reaches an ultimate conclusion of
intended triumph.
Coming to
the cultural aspect, Holden shows Geisha elements in full mastery as he
uncovers the evolution of women into geisha and the various customs that come
with it. Once you have read this, you will get an idea of how Japanese Geisha
function and play an integral part in Japanese society. Whether or not it is
the right idea depends on how much further you research.
The main
characters themselves are wonderfully crafted, though my feeling is that the
antagonistic elements are half baked especially with some sadly one-dimensional
material. Though one antagonist does come back for a deliciously sadistic twist
later on, there seems to be a forceful element in making sure that a happy
ending is achieved.
It’s not that
the central character doesn’t deserve such. But the way it is earned feels
contrived and expected despite all the hurdles put in.
Overall
though, if you are new to this Japanese phenomenon, Memoirs of a Geisha
provides an interesting platform to start.
So, I give
it 7 out of 10
+Rich
imagery
+Wonderful
character stories
-Antagonist
is one dimensional
-Final arc
is a little meandering
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